Real Madrid captain Raul predicts his former team-mate David Beckham will have an important role to play at AC Milan.

Beckham, 33, has agreed terms to join the Italian giants in January on a three-month loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy which coincides with Major League Soccer's close season.

And Raul is happy to see the England midfielder return to play in Europe, albeit only for a short spell.

"Beckham is a great player, a great professional," said Raul in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I think he can give Milan a lot."

Beckham's departure from Real Madrid to MLS in 2007 was a blow for Raul, who had hoped the former Manchester United man would remain with the Spanish champions.

"It was a pity to see him leave," said Raul.

The Spain international laughed off reports that Milan are following the 'galactico' policy used by Madrid during Florentino Perez's reign as club president, which involved signing one of the world's best-known players every season.

"Milan are signing people, not 'galacticos'," said Raul. "Ronaldinho and Beckham, just to mention two names, are above all two players that want to bring joy to the fans. The rest is nonsense."